Five-bedroom HMO at 47 Trinity Road, Llanelli

“Application Type Full planning permission Proposal A change of use from a C3 dwelling house to a C4 House in multiple occupancy (HMO) (5 bedrooms) with bike storage at the rear…”

“Trinity Road is a well-established residential street characterised predominantly by detached and semi-detached dwellings of traditional design and scale, set within modest plots with front and rear gardens. The surrounding area has a cohesive residential character with a mix of long-standing owner-occupied homes and some rented accommodation.”

“Trinity Road is a well-established residential street characterised predominantly by detached and semi-detached dwellings of traditional design and scale, set within modest plots with front and rear gardens. The surrounding area has a cohesive residential character with a mix of long-standing owner-occupied homes and some rented accommodation.”

“Each planning application is determined on its own merits, based on local and national planning policies. The approval of this specific HMO, which is considered compliant with Policies H3 and GP1 due to its modest scale, maintenance of character, and provision of acceptable accommodation, does not automatically "open the door" for numerous other conversions.”

“After careful consideration of the scheme as submitted it is concluded on balance that the proposal is compliant with all the policies of the Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (2014) and the relevant national policies, the application is recommended for approval…”

“Predominance of families with children and elderly residents • Many elderly residents have lived in the area for decades • Concerns about elderly residents feeling unsafe, particularly after dark • Blue Badge holders experiencing difficulties with parking access • Impact on those with limited mobility requiring proximity to homes for daily activities • Children playing in gardens and using local parks and schools • Loss of peace and stability for those in retirement,…”

“Uncertainty about who will be residing in the property • References to concerns about asylum seekers and foreign nationals • Questions about vetting of occupants and criminal backgrounds • Specific concerns about the safety of women and children • Fear and uneasiness within the community • Residents not feeling safe leaving homes or bringing family members to visit…”

“The Committee reviewed the evidence and resolved to confirm the refusal of the application and agree the refusal reasons outlined in the report that were based on the comments made by the Committee:”

“The proposal is contrary to Policy TR3 of the Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan in that it fails to demonstrate that adequate off-street parking and transport arrangements can be provided for the increased number of occupants associated with the development. The shortfall in provision is likely to intensify existing on-street parking pressures and could result in conditions detrimental to highway safety and the free flow of traffic in the surrounding area.”

“The proposal is contrary to Policy GP1 of the Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan in that it would result in an intensification of residential activity through the introduction of high-density, transient occupancy in an already saturated area.”